Removal of Aleppo Pines

LOWER LAKES AND COORONG REGION

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINE FOR THE

Prepared by Catherine Miles (Rural Solutions SA) for the Coorong and Lower Lakes Project February 2009
Cover photographs: Aleppo Pine infestation on Hindmarsh Island (top); local native revegetation following removal of Aleppo Pines

Contents
1. ALEppO PINES
1.1 Origins 1.2 Identication 1.3 Distribution 1.4 Impacts 1.5 Ecological Value 4 4 4 4 4 5

4. METHODS OF REMOVINg ALEppO PINES

4.1 Recommended Methods 4.2 Methods Not Recommended 4.3 Disposal of Dead Aleppo Pines

11 11 13 13 13 13 14 15 15 16 16 17

5. REVEgETATION FOLLOWINg PINE REMOVAL

5.1 Revegetation or Regeneration? 5.2 Revegetation Design and Layout 5.3 Choosing the Right Plants 5.4 Site Preparation 5.5 Planting 5.6 Maintenance

2. PLANNINg ALEppO PINE REMOVAL 5

 2.1  Consider the Environmental Risks Associated with Removal 2.2 Legalities 2.3 Undertake a Site Assessment 2.4 Prepare a Map of the Site 2.5 Develop a Plan 5

5 5 6 6 7 7

3. SELECTINg THE MOST AppROpRIATE METHODS

 3.1  Situation 1: Young Pines over Introduced Pasture or Ex-Crop  3.2  Situation 2: Mature Aleppo Pines with Native Vegetation  3.3  Situation 3: Mature Aleppo Pines Without Much Native Vegetation  3.4  Situation 4: Remnant Vegetation with Aleppo Pines

6. EXAMpLE ALEppO PINE REMOVAL PLAN 7. HELp!

7.1 Contacts 7.2 Resources

18 18 18

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Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

1 Aleppo Pines
1.1 Origins
The Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis) is native to the Mediterranean. It was introduced to South Australia in the late1800s, initially for timber (it turned out to provide poor timber), and subsequently for windbreaks, dune stabilisation, stock shelter, landscaping, and for memorial plantings since the Aleppo Pine held particular cultural signicance after WWII because the Lone Pine at Gallipoli was an Aleppo Pine.

Distinguishing Aleppo Pines from Native Pines Southern Cypress Pine (Callitris gracilis) is native to the Lower Lakes and Coorong region. It has round seed cones, slightly smaller than a golf ball, and the leaves are tiny (less than 0.5mm) and arranged in rings around the stem, making the stem appear segmented.

1.3 Distribution

A dense infestation of Aleppo Pines out-competes all other species

Aleppo Pine leaves and seed cones

Aleppo Pines grow well in low rainfall environments, on well drained soils, and are tolerant of limestone. The species has spread from plantings into cleared and bushland areas in many parts of South Australia. In the Lower Lakes and Coorong region, Aleppo Pines have established over a large area of Hindmarsh Island as well as other smaller populations on the mainland. Aleppo Pines grow only from seeds which are winged, and can be blown by wind for 40m. Sometimes the seeds are spread further by YellowTailed Black Cockatoos. Aleppo Pines grow rapidly and can reproduce from four years of age.

Southern Cypress Pine leaves and cone

1.2 Identication
The Aleppo Pine looks similar to Radiata Pine (Pinus Radiata) which is widely used in timber plantations. The key difference is that the needle-like leaves of the Aleppo Pine are arranged in pairs whilst Radiata Pine needles are in groups of three. The needles of Aleppo Pines are 6-10cm long, and the cones are 5-11cm long and held on short stalks. Aleppo Pines grow to around 20m in height and commonly branch above the base.

1.4 Impacts
Aleppo Pines have invaded both remnant vegetation and pastures in the Coorong and Lower Lakes region. Once established, they grow quickly and can out-compete other species for moisture and light. As the trees mature they form a thick carpet of needles beneath them. This takes a long time to break down, may present a re risk, and is not favourable for the germination of many other species including natives and pastures.

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

1.5 Ecological Value

Aleppo Pine forests provide poor habitat and resources for most native fauna, as they lack hollows and owers, have a very dense structure and poor ground layer. In some areas, however, they do make up the only signicantly large tracts of wooded vegetation and may provide the only habitat for some terrestrial fauna, in particular nesting and perching sites for birds of prey such as Whistling Kites. Most signicantly, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos eat the seeds of Aleppo Pines. These birds are considered vulnerable in South Australia and are heavily reliant on introduced pines for food as a result of clearance of their native food sources. They are, however, only occasional visitors to the region.

Where Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos regularly feed on Aleppo Pines, revegetation should begin well in advance of the removal of fruiting pines to ensure there is an alternative food source available. Immature, non-fruiting trees can be removed earlier. The revegetation should include a high proportion of food plants, including local native species of Banksia and Hakea. Signicantly larger areas of revegetation, however, need to be planted to supply the same amount of food as one mature Aleppo Pine. Wild Fire Ensure that adequate re-breaks, access tracks and re-ghting infrastructure are incorporated into the property plan. Adhere to Country Fire Service re restrictions when undertaking Aleppo Pine control and burning. If using ringbarking as a form of control, be aware that dead standing trees may pose a higher re risk than living trees.

2  Planning Aleppo Pine Removal

2.1  Consider the Environmental Risks Associated with Removal
Wind Erosion As Aleppo Pines were often initially planted to combat wind erosion, and given the high susceptibility of the regions soil to wind erosion, care needs to be taken to avoid causing erosion. Ensure there is minimal soil disturbance and that adequate ground cover (greater than 70%) is maintained at all times. Ecological Impact It is common to nd native groundcovers, shrubs and occasionally trees growing amongst infestations of Aleppo Pines. Care should be taken when removing pines to ensure that native species are not damaged through physical disturbance, spray drift or through being wrongly identied. In some areas, Aleppo Pines may be providing the only habitat for native fauna. Their removal should therefore be undertaken in stages, being replaced by native vegetation through revegetation or regeneration.

2.2 Legalities
In most situations Aleppo Pines are not protected. If the trees, however, are large and/or have been planted, you should contact you local Council to ensure they are not protected under signicant tree or heritage protection measures. Native vegetation is protected under the Native Vegetation Act (1991).

2.3 Undertake a Site Assessment

Assess the Density and Maturity of Aleppo Pines Assessing the level of Aleppo Pine infestation will help to determine in which areas to begin removal and what is the most appropriate control option. Note what level of infestation occurs in different parts of the property. Identify Native Vegetation Isolated and little patches of remnant native trees may occur within Aleppo Pine infested areas, often with natural regeneration of native groundcovers around them if the area has not been grazed for some time. Native groundcovers such as saltbushes, riceowers, grasses and lilies can also occur around the base of Aleppo Pines, usually in medium density

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

infestations. Rocky limestone rises that have not historically been cropped often contain a relatively high diversity of native plants. Identify Native Fauna Take note of which native fauna - especially Yellowtailed Black Cockatoos - use the area and consider how they will be impacted if the pines are removed. Different approaches may need to be incorporated for some fauna. Identify Other Weeds Whilst Aleppo Pines may dominate an area, other high-threat weeds that should also be controlled may occur among them for example, African Boxthorns, Bridal Creeper and weedy non-local Wattles.

2.5 Develop a Plan

Weed Control Principles The following general principles should be incorporated into your Aleppo Pine Removal Plan: Begin in the least weedy areas: The aim of your weed control program should be to maximise the area that is weed-free. This requires you to begin by removing outlying and low density young pines rst, and gradually working in towards older, denser areas. Care for and promote native vegetation: Ensure remnant native groundcovers and shrubs growing beneath pines are retained when removing pines as these are a natural bonus to any revegetation program. Where patches of remnant native vegetation occur, carefully remove pines within the patch rst, then gradually remove the pines in a ring around the patch, encouraging the remnant natives to regenerate and expand naturally. Replace habitat: In most situations it is preferable to undertake removal in stages over several years, replacing Aleppo Pines with native vegetation through either actively planting it or encouraging natural regeneration. Be realistic about what you can achieve: It is better to write your plan in stages rather than in years because it is difcult to predict how much effort it will take to achieve what you set out to do, or how much time and resources you will have in the future. When you begin, you should work from the least infested sections, where there will be fewer pines and most will be smaller, towards the older infestation. Over a number of years, you will begin to work in the more densely infested areas, where the pines are larger and sometimes closer together. The work will be harder and possibly less satisfying, but perseverance and taking note of the native species regenerating should offset the more difcult work. As pines are replaced with native vegetation, there

2.4 Prepare a Map of the Site

Based on the site assessment, prepare a map of the site showing: f ence lines, tracks, houses, powerlines and other infrastructure d  iffering levels of pine infestation and condition of remnant native vegetation other significant weeds Your map doesnt need to be complicated or computer-drawn. Using an aerial photo as the base will make mapping easier. Aerial photos can be downloaded from a number of websites, such as Google Earth (www.earth.google.com) or Nature Maps (www.naturemaps.sa.gov.au). Alternatively, you can purchase an enlarged photograph from Mapland. An example of a property map is included on page 17.

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

will also be additional work associated with planting and maintaining revegetation, as well as follow-up weed control in cleared areas. Dont be disappointed if you dont ever remove all the Aleppo Pines from a site. Focus on what you have achieved with the area cleared. Clear other high threat weeds as well: Remove other weeds in conjunction with Aleppo Pines. Follow-up weed control: Monitor areas where control-work has been carried out and remove any re-growth or new seedlings. Note that Aleppo Pines have a high germination rate but low seedling survival rate, so focus on removing seedlings that have survived at least one year. As they can also reproduce as early as four years of age, do not leave follow-up too long. Where to Start Apply the weed control principles outlined above in conjunction with your map of the site to develop a staged weed control and native vegetation management plan. An example of a plan for a hypothetical property is included on page 17. Selecting the Most Appropriate Method Across a single site a range of control methods may need to be employed depending on the size of the pines and presence of native vegetation. Chapter 3 outlines what methods should be used.

3 Selecting the Most Appropriate Methods

The following tables outline four common situations and the most appropriate methods to return the areas to native vegetation. More detail about the recommended methods is provided in Chapter 4.

3.1  Situation 1: Young Pines over Introduced Pasture or Ex-Crop

Description
Aleppo Pine Maturity Predominantly small trees (less than 3m) that have not yet begun to fruit Low, on average more than 30m between trees Introduced perennial pasture such as Perennial Veldtgrass and pasture and crop weeds such as False Caper, Silver Grass and Barley Grass

Aleppo Pine Density Other Vegetation

Considerations for Removal

Environmental Risks Low: the pines are too young to provide food and too newly established to be providing critical habitat. Low / Good: pines are relatively easy to remove with a good chance of success. Large areas can be cleared quickly. Revegetation is relatively easy to undertake.

Cost vs. Benet

Control Method
Hand Pull Cut Down Slashing Suitable for seedlings up to 1m Suitable for saplings over 1m to medium sized trees May be suitable for seedlings depending on the type of slasher and thickness of trunks

Low density, young Aleppo Pines such as those in the foreground, are a higher priority to remove than the older, denser pines in the distance.

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

Revegetation Method
Machine Direct Seeding Tubestock Planting Timing Suitable for large areas where sufcient seed is available. May be used in combination with tubestock planting for increased species diversity. Suitable Can be done in the rst Winter following pine removal.

3.2 Situation 2: Mature Aleppo Pines with Native Vegetation

Description
Aleppo Pine Maturity Aleppo Pine Density Other Vegetation Predominantly medium sized trees (3m to 10m) with fruiting cones; some smaller seedlings Medium; crowns may be touching in some areas but mostly with gaps between pines Ground layers dominated by introduced perennial pasture such as Perennial Veldtgrass and pasture and crop weeds such as False Caper, Silver Grass and Barley Grass. Occasional native groundcovers such as Ruby Saltbush, Native Spinach and Berry Saltbush growing at the base of Aleppo Pines. May be more native vegetation if site has had little stock grazing. Other woody weeds likely to be present.

Native understorey plants growing beneath Aleppo Pines

Native understorey plants growing beneath Aleppo Pines

Considerations for Removal

Environmental Risks Cost vs. Benet Low: the pines are too newly established to be providing critical food or habitat. Risk of damage to native vegetation during removal. Moderate: pines are relatively easy to remove with a good chance of success but will take more effort to clear the same size area as in Situation 1. Intensive follow-up control needed for rst two years as there will be a soil seed bank.

Control Method
Hand Pull Cut Down Ring-bark Slashing Suitable for seedlings up to 1m Use a chainsaw or handsaw for trees over 1m, maximum height dependant on users skill and equipment. Ensure fallen trees do not smother native ground covers. Suitable for medium to large trees May be suitable for follow-up control of re-growth provided cut stumps are below slasher height

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

Revegetation Method
Natural Regeneration Tubestock Planting Machine Direct Seeding Careful weeding around existing groundcovers will encourage natural regeneration. May need to be supplemented with tubestock planting of over-storey species that are not present. Suitable. Take care during site preparation to not spray-out native ground-covers. If sufcient native groundcovers are present these species do not need to be included in the planting mix. Suitable for large areas where sufcient seed is available and native groundcovers are sparse. May be used in combination with tubestock planting for increased species diversity. Take care not to spray-out or seed through existing native ground covers. Best done at least one year following pine removal to allow a season for follow-up control.

Timing

3.3 Situation 3: Mature Aleppo Pines Without Much Native Vegetation

Description
Aleppo Pine Maturity Aleppo Pine Density Other Vegetation Predominantly large sized trees (over 10m) with fruiting cones. Smaller pine seedlings may make up the ground layer. High, crowns overlapping, stems dense Generally little other vegetation as ground is covered with a dense layer of pine needles and little light penetrates the canopy. Introduced annual grasses and shade tolerant native groundcovers such as Native Spinach and Flax-lilies may be present at low densities.

Stand of mature Aleppo Pines

Ground covered in fallen pine needles and cones

Considerations for Removal

Environmental Risks Medium: pines may be providing food for Yellow-tailed Black Cockies and perching and nesting sites for large birds. Pines may originally have been planted to combat wind erosion, so there may be a risk of erosion following removal if groundcover is not maintained. High / Poor: a high degree of effort, resources and cost to clear pines. Intensive follow-up will be required for several years following initial removal due to the soil seed bank. If large areas are infested to this level with Aleppo Pines, removal may not be feasible or justiable from a cost perspective, and containment may be the best option.

Cost vs. Benet

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

Control Method
Professional Tree Removalist Ring-bark Cut Down Slashing Spot Spray Hand Pull Most suitable for large trees Suitable for large trees (ie. 6m or more). When they begin to fall, ring-barked trees will pose a safety hazard which may outweigh the cost saving benet. Suitable for small to medium sized trees, dependant on users skill and equipment. Ensure fallen trees do not smother native ground covers. May be suitable for control of small seedlings and follow-up control of re-growth provided cut stumps are below slasher height. May be suitable to control prolic seedling growth following removal of trees. Take care to not damage native groundcovers. May be suitable for removing seedling re-growth following removal of trees. If, however, a large area has been cleared, hand pulling may not be sufcient.

Revegetation Method
Tubestock Planting Timing Suitable. Take care during site preparation to not spray-out native ground-covers which may regenerate following pine removal. Cut stumps and fallen logs may make planting and maintenance difcult. Best delayed for three or more years following initial removal to allow for follow-up control and for stumps, timber and mulch to decay. If there is still a signicant amount of mulch, this may need to be removed by mechanical or manual raking prior to planting. If ring-barking has been used, delay planting for safety reasons until dead pines have fallen, and to avoid risk of revegetation being damaged. If entire patch of pines is not removed in one stage, revegetation will need to be kept well away from remaining pines and will require constant monitoring for re-infestation.

3.4 Situation 4: Remnant Vegetation with Aleppo Pines

Description
Aleppo Pine Maturity Aleppo Pine Density Other Vegetation Predominantly small, non-fruiting trees with some medium-sized and fruiting trees Medium sized trees of low density, but seedlings may be of higher density Predominantly native shrubs, ground-covers and grasses. Native canopy species may or may not be present, depending on past clearance history. Introduced perennial pastures, such as Perennial Veldtgrass, and pasture and crop weeds such as False Caper, Silver Grass and Barley Grass may also be present.

Considerations for Removal

Environmental Risks Medium: high risk of off-target damage to native vegetation and also soil disturbance during pine removal, which may encourage other weeds to colonise the site. Low / Good: pines are relatively easy to remove with a good chance of success. Active revegetation not required. A small grove of Drooping Sheoaks and native groundcover amongst Aleppo Pines

Cost vs. Benet

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Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

Control Method
Hand Pull Cut Down Ring-bark Suitable for seedlings up to 1m Use a chainsaw or handsaw for trees over 1m. Ensure fallen trees do not smother native vegetation. Monitor, and cut and swab any re-growth from stumps. Good method for medium sized trees as no soil disturbance results.

Revegetation Method
Natural Regeneration Careful weed control around the remnant will encourage native vegetation to regenerate and expand in area. Temporary guards may be required to protect regenerating seedlings if kangaroos or pest animals are present.

4. Methods of Removing Aleppo Pines

4.1 Recommended Methods
Cut Down
Suitable for Not suitable for Method Small to large trees, depending on the skills of the operator, and remnant vegetation and pasture situations Very small or very large trees Use a chainsaw or handsaw to cut through stem as close to the ground as possible. Use angled cuts to direct the fall of the tree. Ensure there is no green growth below the cut. Cross-hatching the top of the stump with a chainsaw will aid the rotting of material. If leaving trees where they fall, cutting them into small lengths will aid in breaking down. Any time, but if using a chainsaw follow CFS regulations. Monitor and spot spray, or cut and swab, any re-growth from stumps. Ensure there is no risk to human or animal safety or infrastructure from falling trees.

Timing Precautions

Hand-pull
Suitable for Not suitable for Method Timing Precautions Small seedlings up to 1m or more, depending on the strength of the person. Mechanical levers may assist to remove larger seedlings. Saplings over 1m. In good quality remnant vegetation, to avoid soil disturbance use secateurs to hand-cut seedlings 0.5m to 1m. Hold the stem close to the ground and pull directly upwards. Either place one hand on the ground around the base of the seedling, or a foot on each side to minimise the amount of soil disturbed. Can be done any time of year, but there is less soil disturbance when soil is moist. Where there are numerous seedlings it is advisable to wait until the break of season following germination, as many seedlings may die-off naturally over summer. Wear gloves for safety and to avoid sticky sap.

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

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Use Herbicide
Suitable for Not suitable for Method Timing Precautions Swabbing cut stems of branches below a ring-bark or on cut stumps. Spot spray prolic re-growth of seedlings. Drill and ll medium to large trees. As Aleppo Pines die readily from other recommended methods, the use of herbicides is rarely required. Not suitable in most remnant vegetation areas. Paint or dab onto cut stems within 10 seconds of cutting. (This generally requires two people to work together.) When spot spraying ensure all foliage is covered but is not dripping. Use an appropriate herbicide at the recommended rate. When pines are actively growing (usually spring). Avoid spray drift (or drip) on to native vegetation. When working close to watercourses use only herbicides approved for that use.

Ring-bark
Suitable for Not suitable for Method Timing Precautions Medium to large trees. Useful in remnant areas where soil disturbance is a concern. Large trees close to infrastructure such as fences, roads, powerlines, sheds and houses, or in areas regularly used by people or stock. Use a hatchet to remove a ring of pine bark as close to the base of the tree as possible. Ensure a complete ring is removed down to the woody layer and that there is no green growth below the ring. Can be done any time of year. Undertake a risk assessment before ring-barking. Avoid working in areas where ring-barked trees have yet to fall, especially on windy days. A ring-barked tree may take between 2-5 years to fall, depending on conditions.

Use Professional Tree Removalist

Suitable for Not suitable for Method Timing Precautions Most situations but in particular for very large trees and trees close to infrastructure Specialist bush management contractors may be more experienced in remnant vegetation areas for small to medium pines. Contract a professional tree removalist to use one or a combination of the recommended methods. Anytime, depending on the method to be used Seek a quote before contracting. Ensure contractor uses appropriate methods to avoid environmental damage.

Slash
Suitable for Not suitable for Method Timing Precautions Small seedlings, depending on the thickness of the stems and features of the slasher. May be useful for controlling secondary germination of pines following initial removal. Saplings or larger trees; rocky or steep sites. If cut stumps are present ensure these are below the height of the slasher. Slash as per normal, although in some situations it may be preferable to back over trees. Slash as close to the ground as practical. Any time, in accordance with CFS regulations Thoroughly inspect the area for stem size, and obstacles that may damage the slasher which may be obscured in the grass. Avoid slashing remnant native vegetation except native grasses.

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Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

4.2 Methods Not Recommended

Mechanical Uprooting Uprooting Aleppo Pines, other than those small enough to be pulled up by hand, is not recommended due to the amount of soil disturbance which can potentially result in: Damage to native groundcovers Encouraging further weed colonisation Soil erosion Burning Burning standing trees is not recommended due to: The risk of the fire getting out of control Heat intensity of the fire damaging native vegetation L  ack of ground cover following the fire, resulting in soil erosion.

5 Revegetation Following Pine Removal

5.1 Revegetation or Regeneration?
Active planting of native vegetation will be required for some, but not all sites, and in many cases a combination of approaches should be used. As a rough guide, when Aleppo Pines are removed: Where diverse remnant native vegetation occupies 20% or more of an area, natural regeneration should be encouraged. Where introduced pasture species and pasture and crop weeds occupy 80% or more of an area, active revegetation is required. Where native groundcovers are plentiful but the diversity of species is low (less than 10 species), active revegetation should be used to replace missing species (middle and overstorey).

4.3 Disposal of Dead Aleppo Pines

Dead hand-pulled, cut, or fallen Aleppo Pines can be left to break down where they fall. From medium to large trees, however, there may be a signicant amount of material that may smother native vegetation, prevent natural regeneration, and inhibit access for follow-up control and revegetation. Medium to large trees can be piled and burnt. If left unburnt, piled trees may harbour pest animals. If medium to large trees are left where they fall, cutting the trunks and branches into short lengths can aid breaking down. Where native vegetation is present, take care to not drag trees and damage native vegetation.

Staged Aleppo Pine removal and replacement with local native vegetation

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

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Active Revegetation Methods

Method Details Suitable for Success Diversity of species Cost / Effort Machine Direct Seeding
A machine is used to sow a single row of mixed seed. Seeding rows on average 3m apart, using 1 to 1.5kg seed/ha. Arable soils with little native vegetation Usually successful. Seasonal conditions impact the density of germination. Species are limited to those for which adequate quantities of seed are available, and readily establish using this method. Low cost and effort

Hand Direct Seeding

A pinch of seed is dropped into scraped soil and buried shallowly. Usually 1000 seeding spots/ha or greater. All sites Variable success rates; can be as low as 10% A greater range can be established than with machine direct seeding because less seed is required. Least cost and effort

Tubestock Planting
Specialised planting equipment available. Usually planted at densities of 1000 seedlings/ha or greater. All sites except shallow soils Usually successful, provided standard methods are used. Greatest range of species can be established by this method, including species established by cuttings. High cost and effort relative to other methods

It is common to use a combination of machine direct seeding and tubestock planting to keep costs down while establishing a wide diversity of species.

5.2 Revegetation Design and Layout

Rows or Random? Planting an area using random spacing so that there is a mix of open and dense vegetation results in natural-looking revegetation but is best suited to small sites (2ha or less). Large sites are easier to maintain when planted in rows averaging 3 metres apart. This allows for easier access for slashing and weed control in the rst few years. The range of species used in the planting mix will help to create a more naturally variable structure, as will future regeneration from the plantings. Other methods that can be incorporated to increase the structural variability are:  Have the rows follow the contours of the land rather than being straight. W  aver the rows so that they vary between 2 and 4 metres apart. P  lant at unequal spacings along the row, for example plant three seedlings half a metre apart, the next one 4 metres away, the next 1m, and so forth.

B  ecome familiar with the size and height of each species and plant accordingly. Trees may need to be spaced wider apart to allow better understorey development and natural regeneration later on. H  ave 2m wide rows, with a 2m gap between, and plant anywhere within the row, creating clusters and open spaces. P  lant several of the same species close to one another to create groves and encourage microhabitats. S  econdary planting can be done between the rows. Firebreaks and Access Tracks Larger sites should include access tracks, and may require rebreaks to be incorporated.

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Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

5.3 Choosing the Right Plants

Species Selection Only species native to the local area, and naturally occurring on the same soil type and land form, should be used for revegetation. These are best adapted to the site conditions, giving them a good chance of survival, and the resulting revegetation will better replicate the original vegetation type, as well as providing food and habitats suitable for native fauna. To nd out which species are suitable for your site contact your Local Action Planning group or local Landcare Group, see the Revegetation Guidelines for the Lower Lakes or Trees for Life (see Help!). Provenance Generally, seed should be collected from as near as possible to the revegetation site. If there are few plants of a species remaining close by, however, and the genetic diversity is low, seed from further away may be used.

5.4 Site Preparation

Weed Control Assuming Aleppo Pines and other high threat weeds have already been removed, introduced ground layer weeds still need to be controlled before planting, or they will compete for moisture and light. Two to four weeks prior to planting, areas dominated by annual grasses should be sprayed out once or twice with a non-selective herbicide, in spots or 1m wide rows, as per the revegetation design. Areas which are dominated by perennial grasses should ideally be rst slashed, then the regrowth sprayed out in rows in late spring, the season before planting, and sprayed again two to four weeks before planting. Be mindful of the erosion risk on susceptible soils when spraying out areas dominated by introduced weeds as ground cover will be removed when the weed species die. Also watch out for and avoid native species that may be amongst weed infestations. Pest Animal Control Rabbits and hares can cause severe damage to revegetation. If you havent already done so, begin a pest animal control program in coordination with adjoining landholders in the summer before revegetation is begun.

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

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5.5 Planting
Timing Both direct seeding and tubestock planting should be carried out in winter, but the exact timing will depend upon seasonal conditions. Seeding is usually done slightly later than tubestock planting as seeds require some soil warmth to germinate. Whichever method is used, the timing needs to have allowed for weeds to have germinated and been controlled at least once (preferably twice), before planting. Guards Whether the seedlings require guards or not, and the type of guards, depends on local populations of rabbits, hares and kangaroos, with larger guards required for the latter. Some species are more favoured than others for grazing, with Banksias and She-oaks being highly favoured, while prickly species are usually left alone. Groundcovers, grasses and low bushes rarely require guards.

Direct seeding machine.

5.6 Maintenance
Weed Control Control of grasses and broadleaf weeds will be required in revegetation areas for the rst few years following planting. Also monitor for and control new infestations of Aleppo Pines and other woody weeds. Slashing may be used for the rst few years to reduce grass growth and seed set between rows. Pest Insects Red-legged Earth-mites can devastate direct seeding soon after germination. White snails may impact on young revegetation. Monitor for both and control as required, using similar methods to those used for crop and pasture situations. Pest Animal Control Maintain pest animal control programs to minimise damage to revegetation and fauna.

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Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

6 Example Aleppo Pine Removal Plan

Weed Map of Pine View
Legend House Sheds & Yards
A A A A

Limestone Ridge remnant vegetation & low density pines High density pines
W

Small Paddock

Low density pines Medium density pines

Original Pines

BT

A BT

Isolated Aleppo Pines Boxthorn Western Coast Wattle

Horse & Paddock

A A A BT BT W

South Paddock

Pine Removal and Revegetation Plan for Pine View

Stage Stage 1 Paddock, zone
Whole property South Paddock

Activity
1a. Remove African Boxthorns 1b. Remove Aleppo Pines and Western Coast Wattle (WC Wattle) 1c. Continue grazing cattle

Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

Back Paddock, limestone ridge Back Paddock, low density pines Back Paddock, medium density pines

Remove Aleppo Pines and WC Wattle on ridge and within 10m of ridge. 3a. Remove Aleppo Pines and WC Wattle working northwards from southern fence line 3b. Revegetate entire area once all pines removed using machine direct seeding supplemented with tubestock planting 4a. R  emove Aleppo Pines and WC Wattle in 50m deep swathes along perimeter with Stage 3 area and around limestone ridge. 4b. R  evegetate cleared areas using tubestock in stages, leaving a 10m buffer between revegetation and uncleared pines.

Stage 5

Back Paddock, high density pines Small Paddock

5a. Ring-bark large pines, cut down medium pines and hand pull small pines within 10m of perimeter with Stage 4. 5b. Contract professional to remove all pines within 20m of fence lines including original stand in Small Paddock 5c. Maintain cleared buffers by slashing

Note: under this plan, the entire property will not be cleared of Aleppo Pines, however the majority of the pines will be cleared, leaving only a small area of old mature pines which will be contained in the north-western corner. The landholders will have to constantly monitor for new seedlings in the revegetation areas, but this will require far few resources than removing the mature pines.

Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines Lower Lakes and Coorong Region

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7 Help!
Contacts Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association PO Box 674 Strathalbyn, SA 5255 Ph: 8536 4551 Web: www.gwlap.org.au Coorong District Local Action Plan Committee PO Box 1021 Tintinara, SA 5266 Ph: 8757 2100 Murray Mouth Estuary Restoration Project and Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group Ph: 8555 5772 Natural Resource Management Ofcers, SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board (Pest plant and animal control), Mt Barker Ph: 8391 7520, Murray Bridge Ph: 8532 1432, Tailem Bend Ph: 8572 3611 Web: www.samdbnrm.sa.gov.au Trees for Life (Bush for Life) Ph: 8406 0500, Web: www.treesforlife.org.au

8 Resources
Plant Identication Bonney, N. (2004) Common Native Plants of the Coorong Region: Identication, Propagation, Historical Uses, Australian Plants Society (SA Region) Inc. Dashorst, G. R. M. & Jessop, J. P . (1998) Plants of the Adelaide Plains & Hills, Second Edition, State Herbarium of South Australia Prescott, A. (1988) Its Blue with Five Petals Wildowers of the Adelaide Region, A. Prescott. Weed Control Robertson, M. (2005) Stop Bushland Weeds: A Guide to Successful Weeding in South Australias Bushland, 2nd Edition, The Nature Conservation Society of South Australia Inc. Revegetation Bonney, N. (2003) What seed is that? Revised Edition, Neville Bonney, Tantanoola, SA. Goolwa Wellington LAP , Coorong District LAP & Department for Environment and Heritage: Revegetation Guidelines for the Lower Lakes. Mercer, K. (2006) Corridors and Buffers for the Goolwa to Wellington LAP Region, Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Board Inc. Fauna Simpson, K & Day, N (2004) Birds of Australia: Seventh Edition, Penguin Group (Australia), Victoria. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos www.deh.sa.gov.au/ biodiversity/yellowtailed.html

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Best Practice Guideline for the Removal of Aleppo Pines for Biodiversity Lower Lakes and Coorong Region